Driver & delivery tracking: a must-have for your restaurant
As online ordering continues to dominate the restaurant industry, real-time driver and delivery tracking is no longer a luxury. It's a necessity. This technology offers clear operational benefits, including reduced delivery delays, improved customer communication, and fuel cost savings. In this guide, we explore how delivery tracking systems work, why they’re critical for modern restaurants, and how to implement them successfully for maximum impact.
Table of Contents
What Is Driver & Delivery Tracking?
Driver and delivery tracking refers to the use of GPS and smart software to monitor the exact location and route of drivers in real-time. These systems allow restaurants to:
View live delivery status
Track driver performance
Monitor delivery times and routes
Analyse trends for operational improvement
Advanced delivery tracking systems often integrate with POS, dispatch, and customer communication tools. This holistic visibility helps restaurants optimise performance and ensure that every delivery is completed efficiently and accurately.
Why Real-Time Tracking Matters More Than Ever
In 2025, customer expectations are shaped by instant gratification. Real-time tracking meets this demand by providing customers with delivery ETAs and live updates.
As Matt Maloney, Founder & Former CEO of Grubhub Said:
“Transparency is key to a great delivery experience. Real-time tracking gives customers peace of mind and helps restaurants manage expectations.”
Tracking also eliminates common pain points like miscommunication, incorrect delivery locations, and long wait times. It provides staff with proactive tools to manage problems before they escalate.
Benefits for Restaurants and Customers
For Restaurants:
Improved efficiency: Know exactly where each driver is and adjust assignments accordingly.
Fewer complaints: Minimise delays and delivery issues.
Data-driven decisions: Gain insight into routes, fuel use, and delivery speed.
Higher retention: Happy customers are loyal customers.
For Customers:
Live ETA updates reduce uncertainty.
Transparent service builds trust.
Higher satisfaction leads to repeat business and positive reviews.
"Our customers appreciate knowing exactly when their food will arrive. Real-time updates help us manage expectations and improve overall satisfaction.”
— Lisa Fain, Chef and Restaurant Owner
What Happens When You Don’t Use Tracking?
Without delivery tracking, restaurants risk:
Missed or late deliveries
Dissatisfied and vocal customers
Poor ratings on delivery platforms
Inefficient route planning
Rising fuel costs
Chris Webb, CEO in of ChowNow, quotes:
"Consumers expect to see exactly where their food is and when it will arrive. Real-time tracking has become a baseline expectation, not a luxury."
Ignoring this baseline expectation can mean falling behind competitors who provide more reliable and transparent service.
How to Implement an Effective Delivery Tracking System
1. Choose the Right Technology
Select a delivery tracking solution that integrates with your existing systems — especially your POS and order management software. Key features to look for include:
Real-time GPS tracking
Route optimisation
Custom delivery notifications
Driver analytics and performance reporting
2. Train Your Staff Thoroughly
Technology is only as good as its users. Ensure everyone — from kitchen staff to dispatchers — understands how to use the system and communicate effectively with customers.
3. Monitor, Adjust, and Optimise
Use the data provided to:
Adjust routes for better fuel efficiency
Evaluate driver performance
Identify peak-hour delivery bottlenecks
Driver and delivery tracking uses GPS and software to monitor driver location and movement, giving restaurants control over deliveries and enabling efficient service.
Customers receive live updates and estimated delivery times, making the process transparent and stress-free, which improves satisfaction and encourages repeat business.
Restaurants risk delays, inefficient routing, higher fuel costs, unhappy customers, and negative reviews — all of which damage profitability and brand reputation.